Over three hundred boys and girls have been included in the Worcestershire CCC pathway for the Club’s 2022 winter training programme.
Senior Pathway coaches Elliot Wilson, Andy Sutton, Ryan D’Oliveira, supported by the pathway coaching team including former players David Banks, Alexei Kervezee, and Shaftab Khalid will oversee a 16-week winter programme based at venues across the region.
The 2022 intake, who made it through an intense 4-week trial programme, includes young cricketers from over 120 schools and nearly 100 cricket clubs across the county, including a record 23% from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The Club has always looked to keep the costs of being part of its talent pathway as low as possible, and costs of the 16-week programme are amongst the lowest in County Cricket.
The Jean Price Bursary has been available to ensure that finance is no barrier to any child being part of the Club’s talent pathway for over ten years. In 2022 WCCC has already allocated further funding to ensure everyone selected can participate fully within the programme. WCCC remains committed to developing cricket and ensuring it is a game for all across the county.
In 2022, all boys and girls selected will also receive a training shirt and pair of training shorts for the first time. Parents who have already purchased these items will receive a voucher for the same value.
Academy Coach Elliot Wilson commented, “It’s great to see such a large amount of talented young cricketers join our pathway programme this winter.
“In previous years, we have always looked to keep costs to parents at a minimum, but are pleased that the Club are investing further by making additional funds available for Bursaries, and also providing every player with their training kit.
“It’s paramount to us all here at Worcestershire that we create a fully inclusive environment with no barriers, where we can help all cricketers get the best out of their talent.
“I hope everyone enjoys their cricket this season.”
Mark Baker-Smith, who has a son and a daughter on the pathway commented, “Both my son, Ciaran and daughter, Caitlin, have been part of the pathway for a number of years and we are always impressed with the amount of quality contact time they both get with high quality coaches.
“Both of them love the sessions and always look forward to the next one.
“The addition of free training kit is a great help.
